On April 17, BTS discussed their positive message and how they overcome their own feelings of pressure and emptiness at the press conference for the release of their latest album “Map of the Soul: Persona.”

When asked about the group addressing societal issues through their music, RM remarked, “Every time we make a new album, we think about how we can give a positive influence. I think that we have to think about the irony of life. Every process is accompanied by sweat and tears, and all of the issues of the world are filled with irony. This album is about how although life is full of irony, we have to keep going down the path we were on and always think with energy. This is also a topic that can be dealt with in the next album.”

RM then spoke honestly about the pressure and emptiness that the members themselves have experienced. He shared, “I don’t think it is possible for there to be only happiness. It is like when your shadow grows when you get taller and your position rises. For example, one day I got very scared of the lights. I was scared that it was so bright.”

He continued, “There are times when the audience is scary. I can’t see them very well, but they can see every single expression and movement. In the moment, it felt like the position we have currently risen to, and I got very scared. Despite all of that, there are many things that I want to achieve, and the positive energy that I want to give is bigger than my desire to run away. I think that’s why I can continue.”